AI Insight
This study identified four distinct profiles of perceived inadequate qualifications among 579 nursing interns in China: severe (22.3%), moderate (45.4%), mild (22.5%), and competent (9.8%). Using latent profile analysis, researchers found that factors including reasons for choosing nursing, professional attitudes, clinical errors, stress levels, skills satisfaction, theory-practice integration ability, and psychological capital significantly differed across these profiles. The findings reveal heterogeneity in how nursing students perceive their competency during clinical training.
Why it matters
The results suggest nursing educators should develop individualized support strategies based on students' competency profiles rather than using one-size-fits-all approaches. Identifying at-risk students early and providing targeted psychological support could reduce feelings of inadequacy and improve clinical preparedness in future nurses.
Understand the Science
PurposeTo identify the latent profiles of nursing interns’ Perceived Inadequate Qualifications and to analyze their influencing factors.MethodsA convenience sample of 579 nursing interns from a medical college and a health vocational college in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, was surveyed between May and September 2025. Data were collected Using a general information questionnaire, the Perceived Inadequate Qualifications Scale, psychological capital Questionnaire, Statistical analysis contained latent profile analysis, and unordered multinomial logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe Perceived Inadequate Qualifications of nursing interns were categorized into four types: “the Severe Type” (22.3%), “the Moderate Type” (45.4%), “the Mild Type” (22.5%), “Competent Qualification Type” (9.8%). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed across these four categories regarding reasons for choosing nursing as a profession, attitudes toward the nursing profession, occurrence of nursing errors during clinical practice, perceived psychological stress levels, satisfaction with knowledge and skills acquired during practice, ability to effectively integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, and psychological capital.ConclusionThe Perceived Inadequate Qualifications of nursing interns exhibit heterogeneity.Implications for nursing educationNursing educators and administrators should develop targeted clinical preceptorship models based on the latent profiles. They should promptly assess students’ professional competency and strengthen psychological support to mitigate feelings of underqualification.